I disagree with the fact Ian shouldn't have had to refund. It was in his possession so whether a favour was being done or not he has lost it. End of. I also think it didn't need to come on here, it was a private matter that should have stayed private. Iains rep is top notch but that is slightly unfair on BB as everyone will of course side with Iain (of course, friends would). It ends up reflecting poorly on BB and could affect future transactions on here when by the sounds of it, it shouldn't do.
Now to put a fresh perspective on it, I could easily see how an air of suspicion might waft across this situation if it was a bargain, high value item that got lost (let's say a $50 21 back fett). If it wasn't for Iains top rep the buyer could feel it hadn't actually got lost but been conveniently 'mislaid'. Assuming its a common $50 mailer that could easily be replaced (not a $50 Fett mailer for example), it clears that concern up immediately (ps I'm not in any way insinuating anything, just saying how it could have gone down).
I don't agree that iain is significantly down, the $50 mailer must still be in his possession somewhere (assuming it wasn't posted to someone in error). If it was posted to someone else in error that would be his fault entirely and not BB's, so in my opinion the only correct course of action would be to refund the money.
I guess what I'm saying is I can see BB''s point and I wanted to speak up as i don't like the idea of everyone rounding on an individual. There are always two sides. Communication was poor, etc etc. Saying that, it now all seems sorted so should be forgotten and people move on. The point has been clearly made when it comes to these 'favours', they are exactly that, but it shouldn't absolve the person doing the favour of all responsibility. I'd suggest maybe just offering this service to very close friend's in future.
EDIT: that said, it's **** all to do with me lol